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Hiking Advisory: Feral Hog Activity

PORT GIBSON, MS: This spring, Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway) officials and visitors have witnesses increased feral hog activity from milepost 0-40. The number of feral hogs is on the rise statewide and directly correlates to more sightings along the Parkway.

Like many wildlife species, feral hogs will be most active at dawn and dusk. “Feral hogs have great senses of hearing and smell. They typically avoid contact with humans, but in the spring females may exhibit aggressive behavior to protect their young,” says Chief of Resource Management Dr. Lisa McInnis. “The Parkway is especially vulnerable to feral hogs because of the long, linear nature of the habitat. This year, feral hogs are causing significant damage to the agricultural fields and the mowline of the Parkway from their rooting activity.”

Caution is encouraged this spring when hiking or biking near the southern end of the Parkway. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings and avoid walking through dense undergrowth where feral hogs may be encountered. If a feral hog is seen, do not approach it. Stop, stay calm, and back away slowly and diagonally to avoid an encounter and give the animal a wide berth, or wait for it to leave the area. If the animal is aggressive, vacate the area immediately by climbing a tree or other nearby structure. Most experts recommend the diagonal side step escape to avoid charging animals or use a calm voice to deter the animal.

For additional information about this project and the Parkway, please call (800) 305-7417. www.nps.govAbout the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.